Fiji’s Attorney-General Graham Leung today introduced the Code of Conduct Bill 2025 in Parliament, which requires public office holders to act with integrity, be transparent, and prioritise the public’s best interests.
The Bill, which was tabled for urgent consideration, sets out distinct principles for three categories of public office holders: Executive Office Holders – including the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and other senior officials in the executive branch; Office Holders – individuals in statutory positions, including the Auditor-General, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and the Commissioner of Police; as well Parliamentary Office Holders – including the Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Speaker, and members of Parliament
Under the Bill, public office holders will be accountable for their actions and will be required to declare their financial interests annually.
Tabling the Bill, under Standing Order 51, which allows for its immediate consideration by Parliament, Leung said: “The overarching principles for the three codes of conduct are that public office holders must act with integrity and uphold the public interest, be accountable for their actions and decisions, be respectful of the people they serve.”
The Bill also establishes the Accountability and Transparency Commission, which is tasked with monitoring compliance. The Commission will also maintain a Declarations Register, which will be publicly accessible, allowing citizens to track the assets and financial dealings of their elected representatives.
Officials who fail to follow the Code of Conduct face serious penalties, including fines of up to $2,000 or imprisonment for up to one year.
The Code of Conduct Bill 2025 extends its requirements beyond individual officeholders, placing obligations on public entities and bodies. According to the Bill, any organisation that is part of the public service framework, including public enterprises and boards, must comply with the applicable code of conduct. This includes ensuring that all policies, services, and processes delivered by public entities reflect the principles of fairness, transparency, and respect.
“The Bill importantly also requires public entities to deliver policies, services and processes to our communities that are consistent with the standards set by codes of conduct.
“It is intended that this obligation will require public entities to deliver on the expectation of the peoples of Fiji that services are provided with respect and in a fair way.”
The Bill also amends the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding, and Disclosures) Act 2013 to integrate the new Code of Conduct requirements.
In tabling the Bill, Leung also moved that it be debated and passed in a single sitting, with the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights tasked with reviewing the Bill and reporting back in April. The full debate and vote will take place following the committee’s report.
Photo: Fiji Parliament
